GB2273691A - A movable, load-supporting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In the field of materials handling, there is a need for a versatile shelving/storage apparatus which also serves as a transport mechanism. The disclosure relates to a movable storage apparatus which includes a frame (11), a plurality of load trays (14) suspended from transverse rods (19) which interconnect pairs of movable members in the form of e.g. discs (18) or oval belts (28). The discs (18) or belts (28) are supported in the frame (11) for selective movement. The trays (14) are self-levelling under gravity in a preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a drive means (24) and a brake (26) whereby movement of the trays can be controlled. The advantage of the apparatus is that trays may readily be moved within the apparatus to a convenient position for loading, and subsequently moved to a remote portion of the apparatus during storage and/or transportation. <IMAGE>

Description

A Moveable, Load-supporting Apparatus This invention relates to a moveable, load-supporting apparatus.

Such apparatuses are required, for example, in factories, warehouses, storage areas and trans-shipment areas. It is frequently required to store products, stock, etc. on a temporary basis such that the stock, etc. is not at the front of a shelving or storage area, but such that it can be readily brought to the front of such a storage area for further processing, transportation or other operations.

Hitherto, such operations have involved the use of at least two pieces of apparatus, namely a shelving unit and stacker truck (forklift truck). If an item is to be stored, it is necessary for the stacker truck driver to lift it on the forks of his stacker truck and position it at the rear of (perhaps an upper level) of a shelving unit. Other, more important items may then be placed in front of the items initially stored. Therefore, if it subsequently becomes necessary to gain access to the initially-stored item, it is necessary to remove all the subsequently-stored items before access to the desired item can be gained.

Obviously, the use of a stacker truck is associated with numerous disadvantages. For instance, stacker trucks are expensive to buy. They are also expensive to operate because they generally run on batteries which require regular recharging. Moreover, the risk of accidents when using stacker trucks is high, and the range of locations in a shelving unit which the forks of a stacker truck may safely reach is frequently limited.

Moreover, any shelving to be used with a stacker truck generally has to be of at least a semi-permanent nature requiring anchoring and time-consuming construction/maintenance.

A solution to such problems of materials handling has been to provide a vertically and horizontally moveable lift secured to appropriate shelving, or to provide a gantry moveable in the spaces between rows of shelving to provide access to shelves at different vertical and horizontal positions. However, such solutions involve the construction of permanent shelving together with permanent lift means or gantry assemblies. Such solutions are therefore expensive, and lack versatility as regards re-positioning of the shelving, etc.

According to invention there is provided a moveable, load supporting apparatus comprising: a frame means;a load platform supported relative to the frame means; means interconnecting the frame means and the load platform whereby the load platform is simultaneously vertically and horizontally moveable relative to the frame means; and means whereby the load platform is maintained generally horizontal or in another desired orientation, regardless of the position of the platform relative to the frame means.

An advantage of this apparatus is that the load platform may be configured to be moveable to a first location in which it is accessible to an operator. In such a position, the load platform may readily and safely receive items to be stored or transported. The load platform may subsequently be moved to a position away from the loading position, whereby the items placed on the load platform are temporarily stored.

This feature obviates the need for a stacker truck to store items in a remote region of the load supporting apparatus.

The fact that the apparatus is moveable means that it doubles as a transportation mechanism, and additionally the apparatus may readily be rotated to permit access to items stored at the rear thereof without the need for further moving of the load platform.

Preferably, the means interconnecting the frame means and the load platform includes a member to which the platform is attached, said member being moveable such that the locus of the point of attachment of the platform defines an arc on movement of the member.

Conveniently, the locus is generally circular. Optionally, the member itself may be generally circular.

Alternatively, the locus may be generally elliptical. Optionally, the member may be generally elliptical.

These arrangements provide advantages in that simple components (such as a disc or an oval or otherwise shaped belt) may be used to form part of the means interconnecting the frame means and the load platform.

Optionally, the member is generally rigid. Alternatively, the member may be generally flexible.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, when the member is constituted as a circular disc it is constructed from a rigid material.

When the member is constituted as an oval belt, it is constructed from a flexible material.

Preferably the member includes a flexible belt, chain, or like member having an attachment point thereon for the platform, the belt being constrained to move in a path which causes the attachment point to follow a generally arcuate locus.

Conveniently, the means whereby the platform is maintained generally horizontal includes means permitting the load platform to level under gravity. This advantageously makes the apparatus cheap and simple to construct.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of load platforms supported relative to the frame means. Thus, the apparatus may support and optionally transport a number of items, or different types of items.

Preferably, the means interconnecting the or a load platform and the frame means includes a pair of laterally spaced members adapted to support the or a load platform at respective points thereon. This feature allows the apparatus to be constructed as a robust item.

Conveniently, the apparatus includes one or more wheel or roller means secured to the frame means, whereby the apparatus may readily be moved.

Furthermore, the apparatus may include means for controllably moving the load platform vertically and horizontally relative to the frame means. Such means may optionally include a moveable hand crank, a drive train adapted to transfer drive from the hand crank to the means for interconnecting the frame means and the load platform; and a brake for the drive train.

Alternatively, such means may include a motor means and a drive train adapted to transfer drive from the motor means for interconnecting the frame means and the load platform.

Thus, the invention relates to a versatile storage and/or transportation device, which may be constructed to virtually any size.

A particular advantage of the apparatus as a whole is that it may be configured to allow the safe loading and/or transportation of light or heavy items without the need for a stacker driver and without the operator of the apparatus contravening health and safety regulations concerning lifting of heavy items. In particular, the apparatus may be configured such that the load platform(s) may readily be presented at waist height, to allow the loading and unloading of items.

There now follows a description of three preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a moveable, load supporting apparatus is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The apparatus 10 includes a frame 11. Frame 11 includes a plurality of base members lia secured together in a ladder-form or rectangular construction; two pairs of inclined members 11b extending upwardly from the assembly of base members lia at an angle, to converge at respective apexes 11c disposed on either side of the apparatus 10; a pair of upright members lid disposed respectively on opposite sides of the apparatus and interconnecting the respective apexes lic and the base assembly Ila; at least a pair of outwardly extending, horizontal members ile extending from the apex lic on at least one side of the apparatus towards the ends thereof; and respective strut members lif interconnecting the approximate mid-point (or optionally any other convenient attachment point) of each horizontally extending member lie and the adjacent upwardly extending member lib.

Thus, it will be seen that the frame is a rigid item. In particular, the apexes lic are strongly supported. The base assembly 11a includes secured to the underside thereof a plurality of castors 12. In the embodiment shown, four castors are present. However, other configurations are possible. The castors permit movement of the frame means and hence the apparatus.

The extremities of the horizontally extending members lle each include a respective hand grip 13, whereby the frame means and hence the apparatus may be pulled, pushed or steered on its castors 12. The handgrips may alternatively be secured to any other convenient member.

The apparatus 10 of Figure 1 includes a plurality of load platforms 14 supported relative to the frame means 11. Each platform 14 consists of a generally flat tray having an optional edge lip.

A pair of triangular support struts, cables or other members 16 extends inclinedly upwardly from the respective ends of each tray 14 to meet at an apex 17 from which each tray 14 may be suspended. In practice, pairs of such suspenders 16 are provided at each end of each tray 14, whereby each tray 14 may be suspended at either end thereof.

Whilst the use of pairs of suspenders is preferred because it results in greater stability of the load platform, the apparatus can be manufactured employing either single or multiple suspenders.

The-trays 14 are suspended from a member which interconnects the frame means 11 and the load platforms 14. In the embodiment of Figure 1, this means is constituted as a pair of laterally spaced, equi-sized, concentric discs 18. A plurality of rods 19 interconnect the respective discs 18 in the space between them at common levels, whereby the suspenders 16 of the trays 14 may be hung over the rods 19 to suspend the trays 14. In the embodiment shown, the trays 14 are suspended loosely such that they are self-levelling under gravity when there is no other external force applied to them. It will be realised that the suspenders 16 need not adopt the triangular configuration shown. For instance, if pairs of the rods 19 are provided for each load platform, the suspenders may define a square with the rods 19 if the suspenders are respectively attached to different rods 19.

The two discs 18 are rigidly joined together by a central shaft 21 extending along their common axis. Shaft 21 is supported in respective yokes, pillow blocks or bearings at the respective apexes llc. The support for shaft 21 is such that the discs 18 are simultaneously rotatable.

One end of the shaft 21 has rigidly secured thereto a gear wheel 22. A further gear wheel 23 is provided in meshing engagement with gear wheel 22. Gear wheel 23 is rotatably secured on one of the frame members lle, offset a short distance from the axis of support and rotation of the discs 18. A cranked handle 24 is secured to gear wheel 23 to cause rotation thereof. The shaft of cranked handle 24 connected to gear wheel 23 passes through a non-rotatable braking disc 26 secured to the frame 11 generally parallel to the plane of rotation of handle 24. Braking disc 26 has formed therein a series of peripheral apertures 27. Handle 24 includes a spring-loaded pin sized and positioned to engage an adjacent one of the apertures 27, depending on the rotational position of handle 24 (and hence the discs 18).The pin (not shown in the drawings) is releasable from the respective aperture 27 in which it may be seated. Therefore, the handle 24, disc 26 and the aperture 27 constitute a braking mechanism for the drive train constituted by the gear wheels 22 and 23. It will thus be appreciated that the discs 18 may selectively be rotated by firstly releasing the pin from the apertures 27 and secondly rotating the handle 24 a desired amount before allowing the pin to seat in a further aperture 27.

In use of the apparatus, the handle 24 is rotated to position an empty tray 14 at approximately the waist height of an operator of the apparatus. Items may then be loaded onto the tray 14, which by virtue of its pivotable suspension from a respective rod 19 is self-levelling.

It should be realised, however, that the tray need not be so configured as always to provide a horizontal load platform. For instance, if the load platform 14 includes a comparatively deep, bucket-like portion, it may be advantageous for the base of such a protion not to be horizontal when loaded.

An alternative braking arrangement is to provide a foot operated "dead man's brake" mechanism adjacent the base of the apparatus, at one end thereof. The arrangement would preferably be such that the load platforms 14 are only movable while a foot pedal is depressed.

If such a braking arrangement is provided, the braking disc 26 could be dispensed with and the cranked handle 24 positioned at the same end of the apparatus as the "dead man's brake", for ease of operation.

Obviously, a longer gear or other drive train interconnecting the handle 24 and the shaft 21 would then be needed.

Once the tray 14 has been filled to a desired extent, handle 24 may be further operated in the manner previously described to bring a further tray 14 to waist height for further loading. Thus, the initially loaded tray 14 will move to a location further away from the loading position.

This process may be repeated until a desired number of items has been stored on a desired number of trays of the apparatus. Unloading is a reverse of the above described procedure. It will be appreciated that any particular tray may readily be selected simply by rotation of the cranked handle 24 to bring the tray in question to a suitable height and position to permit unloading.

Furthermore, since the apparatus is moveable on the castors 12, the apparatus may be parked in a row of such apparatuses for semi-permanent storage of the items on the trays 14. Additionally, the apparatus may be rotated on the castors 12 to permit access to trays on either side of the apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus of the invention is particularly versatile. Furthermore, it is possible to configure the apparatus such that, as the pin of handle 24 seats in each aperture 27, a respective tray 14 is presented at waist height for ready loading/unloading.

Therefore, the risk of back injury occasioned by attempts to lift heavy objects above waist height is virtually eliminated. The fact that rotation of the handle 24 causes simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement of the trays 14 means that stored items are automatically moved to "remote" parts of the apparatus as further trays are manoeuvred in position for loading. Thus, the available storage space provided by the apparatus is used efficiently.

Turning now to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the laterally extending members lle and the handles 13 have been omitted for clarity. However, this embodiment may include such features if desired.

The embodiment of Figure 3 differs from that of Figure 1 in that the vertically extending frame members lld on either side of the apparatus extend beyond the positions of the respective apexes 17 in the embodiment of Figure 1. Thus, the frame means 11 of the embodiment of Figure 3 resembles a pair of gallows-like constructions interconnected by a common base lla. An optional modification to the apparatus of Figure 3 is to dispense with means interconnecting the base members lla and provide one or more (preferably, but not necessarily, rigid) members interconnecting the two halves of the apparatus higher up the framework.

This modification may allow the apparatus to negotiate obstacles protruding upwardly from the surface on which it travels.

Instead of having a pair of disc-like members of rigid construction, as in the case of Figures 1 and 2, the means interconnecting the trays 14 and the frame 11 is constituted as a pair of flexible, drivable belts 28 constrained to run in respective guide tracks 29 secured to the frame members llb on either side of the apparatus. Alternative support means for the belts may be provided which obviate the need for guide tracks.

The belts may enclose any member referred to above for interconnecting the two halves of the apparatus.

A drive means (not shown) may be provided whereby the belts 28 may be rotated to manoeuvre the trays 14 to desired locations in the apparatus. The presence of the rods 19 from which the trays 14 are suspended means that the drive belts move in synchronism with one another, and only a single drive means engaged with one of the belts is required. Additional means for ensuring synchronous operation of the drive belts may be employed.

As used herein, the term "belt" is intended to embrace any drivable, flexible construction such as a flexible or semi-rigid belt, a chain, a dog chain, etc.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of Figure 3 is capable of accommodating a greater number of trays 14 than the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. This is because the greater height of the apparatus of Figure 3 may be used for storage of additional trays 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to that of Figure 3, except that the frame 11 is separated at the base region lla, and elongate trays 14 are provided interconnecting the two resulting parts of the apparatus.

The principle of operation of the embodiment of Figure 4 is similar to that of Figure 3, although on movement of the apparatus care must be taken to ensure that the two parts of the apparatus do not induce twisting or tilting of the trays 14.

Additionally, the embodiments of Figure 4 may be unstable (depending on the rigidity of the trays 14 and the support means therefor on the belts [not shown in Figure 4). Additional stabiliser means may be needed to prevent the two halves of the frame 11 from falling over.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiment of Figure 4 the interconnecting rods 19 are absent. Instead, the suspenders 16 are pivotably suspended from pins which protrude from the respective belts 28. Thus, the trays 14 are supported at either end as in the previous two embodiments.

It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the rods 19 extend to interconnect the two sides of the apparatus, the trays 14 may additionally be supported by further suspenders placed at intermediate points along the lengths of the trays 14. Equally, in each of the embodiments of Figures 1, 2 and 3, rods 19 extending across the entire width of the apparatus may be dispensed with and the trays 14 may be supported on pins performing a similar function. However, in such cases it may be necessary to provide further means for ensuring that the respective discs or belts (as appropriate) move in synchronism with one another.

As an alternative to the cranked handle 24, the drive train of the embodiments may optionally be connected to an electric, pneumatic or other kind of motor. Suitable drive transferring means may be employed.

Additionally, the apparatus as a whole may be motorised to permit transportation of items from place to place whilst on the trays 14.

The frame members 11 of the embodiments shown are constructed from, eg., mild steel, by welding. This provides a particularly rigid and robust construction. However, numerous fixing means well known in the art of metal fabricatipn may alternatively be employed. Moreover, a great variety of materials, including plastics, timber and other metals, may be used in the construction of apparatus according to the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the discs 18 include a series of peripheral, arcuate apertures 31. These are optional features which permit "fine tuning" of the positions of the trays if desired, for instance when it is required to level one of the trays to, eg., the tail gate of a vehicle. In practice, the discs 18 are constructed as spoked wheels having peripheral rims, and discs to cover the spokes except in the regions of the apertures 31. It is considered that this arrangement minimises the possibility of injury caused by accidental entrapment of body parts in the spokes. An alternative arrangement is to construct the discs 18 as one-piece items, e.g. by pressing an appropriate disc from steel.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention is steerable, by virtue of the use of castors for supporting the frame means 11. However, other support means may be used instead. For instance, in certain applications there may be no need for steerability (for instance if the apparatus is intended to move along guide tracks between selected locations). In certain applications, it is even envisaged that the apparatus may include skids or walking feet.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention is extremely versatile, and indeed the construction may take a number of forms. In particular, it should be noted that the construction of the frame portion 11 need not be limited to the forms shown in the drawings.

Claims (21)

1. A moveable, load supporting apparatus comprising: a frame means; a load platform supported relative to the frame means; means interconnecting the frame means and the load platform whereby the load platform is simultaneously vertically and horizontally moveable relative to the frame means; and means whereby the load platform is maintained generally horizontal or in another desired orientation, regardless of the position of the platform relative to the frame means.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the means interconnecting the frame means and the load platform includes a member to which the platform is attached, said member being moveable such that the locus of the point of attachment of the platform defines an arc on movement of the member.

3. An apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said locus is generally circular.

4. An apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein said member is generally circular.

5. An apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said locus is generally elliptical.

6. An apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein said member is generally elliptical.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said member is generally rigid.

8. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said member is flexible.

9. An apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein said member includes a flexible belt having an attachment point therein for said platform and which is constrained to move in a path which causes said attachment point to follow a generally arcuate locus.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means whereby the load platform is maintained generally horizontal includes means permitting said load platform to level under gravity.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including a plurality of load platforms supported relative to the frame means.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means interconnecting the or a load platform and the frame means includes a pair of laterally spaced members adapted to support the or a load platform at respective points thereon.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including one or more wheel or roller means secured to the frame means, whereby the apparatus may be moved.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for controllably moving the load platform vertically and horizontally relative to the frame means.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein the means for controllably moving includes a moveable hand crank, a drive train adapted to transfer drive from the hand crank to the means for interconnecting the frame means and the load platform; and a brake for the drive train.

16. An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the means for controllably moving includes a moveable hand crank, a drive train adapted to transfer drive from the hand crank to the means for interconnecting the frame means and the load platform, and a brake for said means for interconnecting.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein the brake is a dead man's brake located at or near one end of the apparatus, the hand crank being located such that the brake and the hand crank can be operated by one person.

18. An apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein the means for controllably moving includes a motor means and a drive train adapted to transfer drive from the motor means to the means for interconnecting.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the frame means includes two separate parts and the apparatus includes a pair of means respectively interconnecting the or a load platform and one of the parts of the frame means.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the load platform is adapted to extend laterally of the frame means to permit said load platform to overhang e.g. a workbench or conveyor belt.

21. An apparatus generally as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.